Bordering on Reconciliation - The Armenia-Turkey Issue

Die Grenze der Versöhnung - Das Kreuz der Armenier mit der Türkei

After almost a century of bitter enmity, representatives of the Turkish and Armenian governments signed a treaty providing for the establishment of diplomatic relations. If the parliaments of both countries ratify the agreement, soon the border between the two countries is expected to be opened. However, any rapprochement with Turkey is extremely contentious within Armenia, as to the present day Turkey denies any responsibility for the Armenian genocide. During the First World War, the Ottoman Young Turks killed over a million Armenians. For a long time Armenians fought to have these events internationally recognised as the first genocide of the 20th century. The genocide has now been recognised by most civilised countries - but not by Turkey. And for this reason many Armenians wonder if it is not perhaps a mistake to take steps towards reconciliation with their larger Turkish neighbor without an admission of guilt.